5 Things to Know About the Nexus 4 Android 5.1.1 Update

Google’s finally confirmed the Nexus 4 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update and the new firmware should start rolling out in the near future. Here’s what owners of the former flagship need to know about the company’s brand new Nexus 4 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop release.

In April, Google confirmed the arrival of an Android 5.1.1 update for Nexus devices. The update followed in the footsteps of Android 5.1, an update that delivered new features, bug fixes and problems to Nexus smartphone and tablet users.

Android 5.1.1 isn’t as big as Android 5.1 but it’s just as important due to the bug fixes that it has on board. Google’s Android 5.1.1 deployment has been extremely slow though we’ve finally started to see the company pick up the pace during the month of May.

Today, Google’s taken another big step as it has released Android 5.1.1 for two new devices, the Nexus 9 LTE and the Nexus 4. The Nexus 4 Android 5.1.1 update was confirmed for arrival by Canadian carrier Rogers but today marks the first time that Google’s acknowledged the release.

With a Nexus 4 Android 5.1.1 roll out at hand, we take a look at the most important things Nexus 4 users need to know about the Android 5.1.1 update.

Time to Prepare

The Nexus 4 Android 5.1.1 release date is finally here. What this means is that now is a great time to start preparing the Nexus 4 (and yourself) for the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update’s arrival.

Nexus 4 Android 5.1.1 Update Now Available

After a fairly lengthy wait, the Nexus 4 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update is finally here. Thanks to resourceful Nexus users, we now have direct access to the Nexus 4’s Android 5.1.1 OTA file. Those familiar with the sideloading process can download the file and install manually ahead of the OTA:

If you don’t know how to sideload, you can take a look at our guide here. Just remember, there’s always a chance that sideloading could negatively impact the performance of the Nexus 4 so proceed with caution. For reference, the file size is a tiny 18MB.

Nexus 4 Android 5.1.1 OTA

The Nexus 4 Android 5.1.1 OTA is rolling out and we expect to see the update pick up the pace in the days ahead. Here are a few things that we think Nexus 4 users need to keep in mind as the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update starts to push for the aging former flagship:

The roll out will move slowly. Google’s updates typically take a week or more to complete. The Nexus 4 Android 5.1.1 update should be completed before the end of May.

Nexus 4 users can check manually through settings but there’s no need to check more than a couple times a day. Most Nexus 4 users will discover the update via a prompt in notifications.

Do not try and force the update using the Google Framework Services “trick.” This could seriously harm the device.

Android 5.1.1 vs. Android 5.0

Some Nexus 4 users remain on Android 5.0.2 or below. Android 5.1.1 is a variant of Android 5.1 which means that it will bring bug fixes and some new features to Nexus 4 devices lingering on firmware older than Android 5.1.

Android 5.1 vs Android 5.0 Lollipop Walkthrough: What’s New

Quick Settings

Our favorite new change has to do with Quick Settings. For those that don't even know, pulling down the notification bar twice (or once with two fingers) brings up a Quick Settings menu. From here you have access to screen brightness, and toggles for WiFi, Bluetooth, a flashlight, airplane mode, auto rotate settings, location, screen casting, and more quick toggles appear as you use them. Like hotspot control, and more.

In all of our slides Android 5.1 is on the left, with the older Android 5.0 screenshot on the right.

With Android 5.1 Lollipop Google made quick settings even better. Once you swipe down twice or once with two fingers, you'll have easier access to controlling WiFi or Bluetooth and connections. Rather than fumble through settings, simply tap the little drop down arrow, and you can connect to WiFi or Bluetooth devices all from here. This is a small but very convenient change, and one of our favorites.

The slideshow above will recap what Nexus 4 users on Android 5.0.2 and below need to know about the changes Android 5.1.1 Lollipop will bring to the Nexus 4 after it’s downloaded and installed.

Nexus 4 Android 5.1.1 Problems & Fixes

Finally, consider this a warning. Nexus users who have received the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update from Google are relaying feedback about the new software. And while some of the feedback is positive (we’re having an excellent experience on the Nexus 7 and Nexus 9 ), we’re also starting to hear about Nexus Android 5.1.1 Lollipop problems.

We’ve rounded up some of these initial problems to help Nexus users dig around for feedback and also get acquainted with some of the more pressing issues. Battery drain, connectivity issues and lag are some of the more common problems. Android 5.1.1 appears to be more stable than Android 5.1 but Nexus 4 users having a good performance on Android 5.1 and below are still taking a risk.